The UK Government has introduced the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 (the “Regulations”), which will come into force on 12 May 2026 (see here). The Regulations introduce Sanctions End-Use Controls (“SEUC”), a new licensing requirement which the UK Government can use to impose licensing requirements on exports where it considers there is a high risk of the goods or related technology being diverted to a sanctioned person or destination. What are Sanctions End‑Use…
On 22 April 2026, the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (the “Syria Amendment Regulations”) came into force, amending the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the “Syria Sanctions”) to remove trade restrictions relating to luxury goods, gold, precious metals and diamonds. What have the Syria Amendment Regulations changed? The Syria Amendment Regulations have amended UK Syria Sanctions to remove the definitions of “gold, precious metals or diamonds” and “luxury goods” in their entirety.…
On 28 January 2026, OFSI announced (see here) strengthened multi agency efforts to counter the abuse of cryptoassets for sanctions evasion and related money laundering activities, highlighting increasing operational coordination across the UK enforcement landscape. Multi-agency enforcement through the Crypto Cash Fusion Cell As part of these efforts, OFSI is working with the Crypto Cash Fusion Cell (“CCFC”), a pilot multi‑agency initiative bringing together the National Crime Agency (“NCA”), the Metropolitan Police Service, His Majesty’s…
On 23 January 2026, the European Commission released new FAQ guidance providing clarifications for operators navigating the EU’s expanding Russia sanctions framework. Notably, the European Commission updated their Consolidated FAQs on Sanctions against Russia and Belarus (the “FAQs”, accessible here) with guidance on the Nord Stream transaction ban and the EU’s 19th sanctions package, summarized below. I. Clarifications on the Nord Stream Transaction Ban (Article 5af, Regulation 833/2014) The EU has published dedicated FAQs interpreting…